I've struggled with depression for all of my adult life. I'm doing the work: I'm in therapy, I'm on meds, I'm trying to live a healthy lifestyle (good food, exercise). But sometimes it's just so hard. I feel weighed down by the world. I try my best not to over rely on my friends, but I will admit I've needed a little more support as of late because this year has been very difficult for me and I'm just so tired and uncertain about the future.
And then I see this sentiment that depressed partners in romantic relationships are a burden. Non-depressed partners going on about how they're tired of their partner's mental health problems, how they suck the life out of them.
Depression is such an isolating illness. No one can reach into your head and take the pain away from you. You have to put in the work and save yourself. People get tired of listening because they have their own problems. And to think that I have to be on high alert not to burden my partner makes me think it might be better if I remain single.
Is it possible to have depression and a relationship and not burden them and make them resent you?